Patent focus on agents for tumour therapy: May-October 1999

This focus highlights the most interesting patent disclosures in the field of tumour therapy for the period of May - October 1999. Most of the patents discussed deal with inhibitors of signal transduction pathways, such as in hibitors of tyrosine kinases, serine/threonine kinases, cyclin dependent ki nases and Ras-farnesyltransferases. Additionally, several compounds inhibit ing adhesion and angiogenesis are discussed. Particularly interesting is th e approach using a modified antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT ) concept with cyclodextrin complexes for detoxification and the concept of lipopeptides for formation of liposomes encapsulating irinotecan. Several new sequences for novel peptides useful in breast cancer therapy and diagno sis are also addressed.